Two bold founders share how they're revolutionizing period wear for active women. From startup struggles to wearable innovation, this is a story of purpose, power, and persistence.

Join us as we sit down with two extraordinary entrepreneurs, Alayne and Angie, who are on the verge of launching an innovative product that merges functionality with empowerment in customized clothing. Alayne shares her remarkable journey from being a ballroom dancer to overcoming severe scoliosis, defying medical odds, and returning triumphantly to the dance floor. Angie's story is equally inspiring, as she talks about founding Pulse Body, a company aimed at providing practical period solutions for young dancers, inspired by her own daughter's experiences. Together, they are addressing a significant gap in the market, and their passion for empowering women is palpable throughout their journey.

Our conversation also explores the strategic aspects of building a new brand in the e-commerce space, focusing on the integration of period liners into athletic clothing. We discuss the intricacies of patent and manufacturing logistics, including collaborations with overseas manufacturers and navigating patent protections. Alayne and Angie share their multi-faceted approach to brand growth, which includes direct-to-consumer sales, licensing to educational institutions, and retail expansion. Their dedication to creating a female-friendly brand that empowers athletes is evident, and their plans for future growth include moving some production to the US and securing exclusive patents.

We wrap up with insights into their grassroots marketing strategies, highlighting the power of community-driven efforts and the importance of building a supportive network for new entrepreneurs. The episode covers creative approaches to social media marketing, the impact of relatable content, and the value of engaging smaller influencers to reach niche communities. Through early user feedback and innovative storytelling, Alayne and Angie are committed to refining their product and messaging, all while building a movement around women's empowerment. Their story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit, offering inspiration and valuable lessons for aspiring e-commerce business owners.

In episode 456 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin, Alayne, and Angie discuss:

• 00:00 - Empowering Women Through Innovative Clothing
• 02:03 - Overcoming Adversity Through Passion for Dance
• 06:53 - Female-Centric Athletic Wear Innovation
• 13:29 - Navigating Global Patent and Manufacturing
• 14:54 - Developing a First Mover Product
• 20:22 - Launching a Unique Female Product
• 22:51 - Building Awareness for Female Wellness
• 28:11 - Harnessing the Power of Personal Stories
• 31:50 - Teen-Focused Period Liners in Various Sizes
• 34:04 - Building a Supportive Entrepreneurial Community
• 37:04 - Utilizing Resources for Business Growth
• 44:34 - Empowering Women Through Grassroots Marketing
• 45:08 - Community Building for AI Product
• 48:59 - Creative Marketing Strategies for Female Empowerment
• 52:13 - Empowering Women Through Marketing
• 59:29 - Building a Successful Business Movement
• 1:00:36 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Global competition is killing Western sellers. This episode’s guest shares how to survive tariffs, copycats, and shifting supply chains in this must-hear e-commerce deep dive.

E-commerce enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, you're in for a treat as we sit down with Bernie Thompson, a pioneering eight-figure Amazon seller and former software engineer with industry giants like IBM and Microsoft. Bernie charts a thrilling journey from his tech roots to establishing a successful electronics company in the early days of Amazon's marketplace. Our conversation unveils the seismic shifts in the e-commerce landscape, where timing, innovation, and an adaptable mindset are key to thriving amid intense global competition.

We're not shying away from the hard-hitting challenges Western sellers face, particularly in the electronics sector. Bernie opens up about navigating the choppy waters of tariffs and fierce competition from aggressive Chinese brands. Misleading product claims and the difficulty of enforcing regulations in this digital age add another layer of complexity. Through it all, Bernie underscores the vital role of strategic planning and intellectual property protection as pillars for sustaining growth and innovation.

As we wrap up, we cast an eye on the future, spotlighting the transformative power of AI in product development and global business competitiveness. From scaling operations with AI-driven tools to the need for systemic changes in American manufacturing, our discussion highlights the strategic moves necessary to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving global market. Join us for an episode brimming with insights, whether you're an industry veteran or a curious newcomer eager to understand the forces reshaping e-commerce and manufacturing today.

In episode 455 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Bernie discuss:

• 00:00 - E-Commerce Innovations With Bernie Thompson
• 03:06 - Fortunate Timing for Amazon Seller
• 08:59 - Navigating Tariff Challenges in the Electronics Category
• 11:35 - Rise of Chinese Brands in Electronics
• 20:32 - Challenges of Western Electronics Industry
• 25:31 - Challenges in Opening Chip Plant
• 26:57 - Strategies for American Manufacturing Competitiveness
• 31:08 - Navigating Global Electronics Manufacturing
• 32:04 - Technological Innovations and Global Competition
• 36:29 - Intellectual Property and Sourcing Strategy
• 43:56 - Manufacturing Support Discrepancy Between Countries
• 47:01 - Labor and Automation in China
• 52:20 - Impact of AI on Product Development
• 53:20 - Cultural and Mental Shifts in Business
• 58:00 - The Power of AI in Business
• 1:02:26 - Strategic Implementation of AI in Business

Learn how to defend your Amazon brand from overseas knockoffs. Today’s guest shares real IP battles, counterfeiting tactics, and strategies for protecting your e-commerce success.

Can your Amazon brand survive the onslaught of 153 knockoffs? Hear from Chris Keef, our expert guest, as he unravels the harrowing tale of an Amazon seller who faced this exact nightmare and navigated the turbulent waters of account suspension despite a fortress of patents and trademarks. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge from his dual experiences in the corporate and e-commerce worlds, offering listeners a roadmap for maintaining a competitive edge through robust intellectual property strategies and unique product offerings."

In a world where unauthorized sellers and 'hijackers' lurk around every corner of online marketplaces, protecting your Amazon listing becomes a high-stakes game. We dive into the systemic issues within online marketplaces, shedding light on the stark contrast between e-commerce and traditional retail environments. Through gripping case studies, Chris and Kevin expose how low barriers to entry often lead to shortcuts and unethical practices, and how sellers can strategically plan and fortify their defenses with tools like Amazon's brand registry and the Apex program.

Discover strategic approaches for combating false advertising and counterfeit threats while learning how to leverage brand protection services like AMZ Watchdog. Not only do we emphasize the importance of resilience and assertiveness in safeguarding your brand, but we also explore innovative strategies for thriving in the e-commerce landscape. From creating a digital moat around your products to utilizing emerging platforms like TikTok for brand growth, this episode is packed with insights to empower you against unfair practices and position your brand for success.

In episode 454 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Chris discuss:

• 00:00 - Protecting Your Amazon Listing Strategies
• 00:04 - Rising Competition in Online Sales
• 06:42 - Concerns About Data Security
• 13:32 - Navigating IP Protection in Global E-Commerce
• 16:54 - Intellectual Property Rights Across Borders
• 18:55 - Combatting False Advertising in E-Commerce
• 20:11 - Retail vs E-Commerce Growth Differences
• 30:12 - Strategic Approaches to IP Protection
• 40:32 - Negotiating for Release of Product
• 41:33 - Navigating Brand Protection in E-Commerce
• 45:11 - Navigating E-Commerce Challenges and Innovations
• 47:15 - Competitive Strategies in Global Business
• 52:48 - Utilizing TikTok for Brand Success
• 53:59 - Protecting Brands in E-Commerce
• 59:13 - Supporting Amazon Sellers Through AMZ Watchdog
• 1:00:40 - Kevin's Words of Wisdom